POLK COUNTY, N.C. —

A Rutherford County man is facing numerous charges, including taking liberties with children, after he was caught communicating with a 13-year-old on social media, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office

The investigation began when the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was notified by Polk County Middle School officials about the communication.

On Sept. 10, 2025, investigators arrested and booked Randy Wayne Whitener Jr. and initially charged him with solicitation of child by computer or certain other electronic devices to commit an unlawful sex act, taking indecent liberties with children, and dissemination to minors under the age of 16 years.

Polk County Sheriff's Office Randy Wayne Whitener Jr.

Whitener posted a $36,000 bond and was released later that day.

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